The best mountain hikes around Eichhofen

The Odilienberg (763 m) in Alsace is the most important spiritual center of the region. Founded around 690 by Saint Odilia, the monastery attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually. The centerpiece of the complex is the Basilica of the Assumption of Mary (1687–1692) with the burial chapel, where the relics of the patron saint rest in an 8th-century sandstone sarcophagus. Directly on the panoramic terrace are the Chapel of Tears and the Chapel of Angels (12th century), known for their luminous gold mosaics from 1935. Inside the basilica, there is also a fine wooden inlaid Way of the Cross by Charles Spindler. Below the monastery rocks runs a magnificent hiking trail. It leads past the monumental, colorful ceramic Way of the Cross (14 stations) and the Lourdes Grotto, both integrated directly into the red sandstone by Léon Elchinger in the 1930s. About a 15-minute walk further down, the Odilien spring emerges in the forest, its water traditionally sought for eye ailments. The entire mountain plateau is enclosed by the Heidenmauer, a mysterious, 11-kilometer-long prehistoric defensive wall. Following the hiking trails further south, you reach the Maennelstein (817 m), the highest point of the ridge, which offers a wide panoramic view over the Rhine plain to the Black Forest. The monastery grounds are open all year round and admission is free. Would you like to use this short text for a brochure or are you still looking for information on how to get there for your tour? AI answers may contain errors. For legal advice, you should consult an expert. More information

Ramstein Castle ruins were built in the 13th century as a small fortified castle near Ortenbourg to defend it. Destroyed in the 15th century, they were never rebuilt. Today, only remnants of the walls remain, and the peacefully situated ruins are freely accessible and a popular destination for hikers.

Beautiful tour with many small highlights and viewpoints.

Seating area "Schmusbangala" with a view of Ramstein Castle and the surrounding hills.

Two-story building nestled in the vineyards. From here you have a beautiful view of Scherwiller.

View over the vineyards to Ortenberg Castle, situated on the hill above.

Ramstein Castle was built in 1293 by Otto von Ochsenstein to support the siege of the neighboring Ortenberg Castle. After being owned by the Zorn von Bulach family, it was destroyed by the Strasbourg family in the 15th century. Initially consisting of a simple tower, the castle was later expanded into a proper castle, which was destroyed by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War. Today, only the outer wall and two gun towers remain, built in 1793 to defend the entrance to the Vosges Mountains.

At the end of the ridge, at an altitude of 443 meters, lies Ortenbourg Castle, built between 1260 and 1265 by Rudolf Habsburg and one of the most beautiful ruins in the Rhine Valley. A masterpiece of military architecture, with its high gorge surrounding a 32-meter-long dungeon, it is visible from afar and blends perfectly into the landscape. This dungeon offered six levels of defensive fire, and its pentagonal design allowed for better deflection of attackers' projectiles. The recently founded association "Les sentinelles de l'Ortenbourg" (Ortenbourg Sentinels) aims to preserve, expand, and revitalize the castle.